Dagupan commended for more child-friendly programs

DAGUPAN City again
received citations for more of its child-friendly initiatives in recognition of
its efforts to support pupils and youths in conflict with the law.

Dagupan, under the
leadership of Mayor Belen Fernandez, was recently adjudged a model local
government unit for implementing daycare service and in providing quality and
holistic Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programs and services to
the daycare children in the community.

The twin efforts
acknowledged the regular conduct of programs such as check-ups, feeding and
immunization and learning activities conducted by the city such as the mobile
library and other programs from various departments and organizations.

Mayor Fernandez and Councilors Maybelyn Dela Cruz-Fernandez and
Marvin Fabia show the twin awards during the opening program of Womens Month
celebration. They are joined by (from left to right) CSWD’S Irene Ferrer, Gender and Development Focal Person Dr.
Lydwina Balingit-Bernardo, DILG City Director Melinda Buada, City Accountant
Melissa Mendoza, City Engineer Virginia Rosario, City Health Officer Dr.
Ophelia Rivera and City Planning and Development Office chief Engr. Josephine
Corpuz. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

The city government also
sought the improvement of learning experiences for daycare pupils through the
construction and accreditation of 46 child development centers in the city as
well as boosting the monthly allowances of child development workers from the
previous P2,000 to P5,000.

This was in recognition
of the important roles of child development workers in shaping young Dagupeños.

Meanwhile, the city
government’s efforts in guiding troubled youth were also commended by the
Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (RJJWC).

The recognition came
after the city’s continuous promotion of the effective implementation of the
Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, by initiating the establishment of
Bahay Pag-Asa to cater to children in conflict with the law and children at
risk.

The awards were signed by
DSWD Regional Director and RJJCWC 1 Chairperson Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo.

Both citations were
received by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) during
awarding ceremonies held in San Fernando City, La Union on March 1.

The awards were presented
to Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, the department heads and city employees during the
opening of Women’s Month Celebration at the city plaza on March 4.

Also turned over was the
award given to the city by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) after
having been adjudged as four-time Most Child-Friendly City in the Region last
December. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)